Current research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to periodontal /gum disease. That for these people, despite having good oral care habits, they may still be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Being able to identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of gum disease, will help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

The number of dental cavities in the average mouth is going down. People now have healthier mouths then ten years ago, on average e have fewer cavities and people are keeping their teeth longer. The decline in dental decay was larger in kids but the down wards trend is in every age group. Over the past last ten years the proportion of seniors age 60 who’d lost all their teeth had decreased from 33% to 25%. Use of dental sealant was up 64%. 30% of kids had had at least one sealed tooth However for Smokers: Smokers still remain three times more likely than non-smokers to lose all their teeth. This figure has not changed from a decade ago.

The Risk of Dental X-Rays. British scientist warned back in 2010 that dental X-rays given to millions of Britons every year may increase the risk of of thyroid cancer. Researchers found that patients who had been X-rayed by their dentist at least ten times were more likely to develop the disease. They warn that X-rays should not be given at check-ups or when registering new patients and that dental X-rays should be only be prescribed when the patient has a specific clinical need. With rates of thyroid cancer more than doubling in 30 years, the scientists said that the potential dangers of dental X-rays were often overlooked.

According to a new study the high acidity levels in apples can damage your teeth if eat slowly. That drinks most often associated with dietary erosion, such as cola, showed no increased risk. The study results emphasize that dietary advice should be targeted at strong acids rather than some of the commonly consumed soft drinks. People who ate apples were 3.7 times more likely to have dentine damage, while carbonated drink consumers had no additional risk.

For some people their tooth can become sensitive for a days to weeks after having a filling. There are many reason why this can happen but the most common reason is that part of the tooth and all of the dental decay must be removed for a filling to be placed. In some cases, this procedure can cause sensitivity in the tooth. As a general rule, the deeper the cavity and closer to the tooth nerve, the more likely there will be discomfort after the dental procedure. If the pain last for over a week it is advise to go back to the dentist to have the tooth re-evaluated.

How Untreated Dental Abscess can be Dangerous. Dental infections and dental abscess need to be address right away. Poison from the dental infection can cause death if left untreated and it spreads throughout your body. Just how dangerous a dental abscess is will depend on how soon a person seeks treatment.

If a person waits until the gum is so swollen that they have difficulty breathing or opening their mouth, the situation is very serious. If the abscess is causing you dental pain you also need to see a dentist ASAP. It is never a good idea to delay dental care when deal with a dental infection.

A week or so ago my daughter hit my top lip under and cut my gum. Now it hurt to smile or eat anything too hot.  It is all red and I think I may have an abscess.  Should I try popping it myself or have it checked out.

Answer: Stay on the safe side and see a dentist about it.  An Oral abscess in not to be taken lightly and can start to cause you to have other dental issues if not address right away. Also a dentist will be able to prescribe you an antibiotic to help fight any infection if needed.

BBTD or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is cause when a child is left with a baby bottle that has any liquid other the water.  To avoid  BBTD do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. Milk, formula, fruit juices and other such drink all have sugar in them.  If sugary liquids stay on your baby teeth for long periods of time it can lead to tooth decay.   Other habits to avoid would be giving your child bottle or sippy cup filled with sweet drinks to carry around with them throughout the day.  Teach your child to drink from a cup as soon as possible. (Normally around their first birthday.)

Choosing and using the correct toothbrush for you. Having and using the right tooth brush for your is an important consideration especially when you are using your toothbrush on your teeth at least twice a day. Here are some tips when picking out your next toothbrush. Using a toothbrush that has soft bristles is suggested in order to prevent scratching and damage of the gums. Toothbrush heads come in many different sizes.

Pick a toothbrush that best fits your mouth. M-shaped bristles brushes help to ensure that the bristles reach all tooth crevices. The M-shape ensures that the shape of the teeth is taken in to consideration to allow the bristles to reach all the gaps and remove the food particles collected. If possible try and pick a tooth brush that has a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head.

Oral health care at home does not stop at brushing and flossing your teeth. Many people forget about their tongue, however the tongue is a haven for most oral bacteria. By using a tongue cleaner you help to ensure proper and thorough cleaning of the accumulated bacteria, food particles and dead cells. Another reason to clean your tongue daily is that it will also ensure fresh breath.

Stephen Burch, DDS, of 3D Dental Solutions in McLean, Virginia, can Provide Sleep Solutions. Snoring and Sleep Apnea can effect your personal life as well as your overall health care. According to a report done by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). An estimated 40% of adult men and 24% of adult women suffer from habitual snoring, In addition, the AADSM has found that 50% of snorers have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, life threatening disorder that affects nearly 20 million Americans. In addition 75% of people with TMD/TMJ have sleep apnea and 52% of sleep apnea sufferers have signs and symptoms of TMD. 3D Dental Solutions, which is located at 8270 Greensboro Drive Suite 101 McClean, Virginia, can answer your questions about your sleep disorder, sleep disorder symptoms and your sleep deficit. Dr Burch can provide patients with a solution to get tested, get treated and get the freedom to sleep better

Dental Cavities in Young Children on the Rise. A new studies suggest there is a increase of tooth decay in young children. Even with the beneficial effects of fluoride and increased dental care, the study suggests that the increased use of sugary drinks and food in young children may be the cause of the increase of tooth decay.

Asking the right questions regarding your kids dental health care. Whether for your kids or yourself it is important to be able to communicate with the dentist. When dealing with your dental health there is no dumb questions, yet for some people they feel embarrassed to ask even simple questions to the dentist about the suggested treatment plan.

If you do not understand the recommended treatment plan the dentist is advising, make sure to ask questions until you do. You will feel much better and be able to make better decisions for yourself and your family. If you do not ask questions before dental services are start the dentist will think that you already understand the services and the cost for care.

Kids dental checkup and why they are important. Twice a year dental checks are the standard but not always the rule. Many people see a dentist twice a year since most dental insurance plans provides for free preventive care which includes twice a year basic cleanings and check ups. How often you or your child go will depend on your oral health needs. The main goal with check ups is to catch small dental problems early on. Often this mean twice a year exams normally once every six months. Your dentist however depending on your dental needs may suggest you visit more or less depending on how well you take care of your teeth and gums.

Question: Do you really need to take kids to the dentist every six months? I am wondering if it is really necessary to take kids to see a dentist every six months. This seems like overkill to me and just a way for the dentist to make more money. My kids go to the dentist once a year and so far are cavity free. Even for myself it been more like three years since I last seen a dentist but I do not have any dental issues to speak of. I do not have current dental insurance for my family right now but even if I did I do see going to the dentist twice a year as necessary.

Reply: Seeing a dentist twice a year (or once every six months) is best suggested in order to maintain good dental health care and catch any small dental issue before it becomes a larger one. What you chose if best for you and your family though is up to you.

However, if it is about cost you may like to know that most dental insurance plans provide preventive care, such as twice a year cleaning and check ups at little to no cost to you.

Is Stress Taking it’s Toll Out on Your Teeth. Stress can do more then just rattle your nerves. Stress can cause forgetfulness, lack of sleep, hair loss and headaches. However did you know it can also cause you to have dental problems. People that are under stress can tend to clench or grind their teeth. This can happen while you are awake or even in your sleep. Grinding or clenching your teeth over time can cause you to have dental problems such as the wear down of your teeth, cracking or braking of your teeth and even in some cases cause temporomandibular joint problems.

How your tongue can cause you to have bad breath. One often thinks of dental hygiene as daily brushing twice a day and flossing. However the tongue can often be over looked, even though it is a source of bacteria that can cause bad breath. When brushing your teeth gently brush your tongue and use a mouthwash that kills germs this will help keep your tongue clean as well as your breath fresh.

Children and the Consequences of eating Fast Food. Having fast food once in a while is not an issue per say, the problem comes to children that life revolves around Fast Food. Daily eating habits are important to not only your teeth but your overall health care. Food that gets stuck in between teeth and gums can cause tooth decay and gum issues which can lead to pain.

Dental pain can affect their school life disturbing their concentration and hindering their learning capacity. Eating too much fast food can result in obesity, diabetes and problems related to the heart. Studies have shown that obesity and diabetes can cause larger dental issues with teeth and gums. Bad teeth and gums in turn can also cause heart problems.

For young children still growing fast food normally lacks nutritional value and does not have enough calcium. Lack of calcium can cause harmful effects on new teeth coming in which could be unhealthy and lack strength. This is not to say have no fast food but to balance out your children diet and make sure proper dental hygiene is being followed.

Dental Braces Options for Kids. Dental Braces are commonly use to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Braces are used in many cases of malocclusion such as open bite, deep bite, cross bite and other structural and cosmetic flaws. There are different types of braces depending on your needs and what is best advise by an Orthodontic dentist.

When people thing of traditional braces visions of stainless steel wire covering the full mouth with metal brackets. These types of braces are normally not the preferred option. Though these type of braces are now outdated they still present a more affordable dental option for those interested.

There are Ceramic Braces that are not as apparent as the more traditional braces but they are susceptible to damage by accidental blows or trauma. Lingual braces are fitted from behind the teeth so therefore not as apparent from the outside.

The more poplar braces are the Invisalings. Invisalign are clear braces resembling tooth color. They blend in with the teeth making them virtually invisible. Invisalign are removable enabling the wearer to snap them on and off when required

The reason why flossing is important is that it helps to remove plaque lodged between the teeth. As plaque hardens it turns into tartar which can only be removed by a oral hygienist or dentist. Tartar harbors bacteria which produces acids which can damage your gums and cause swelling and bleeding. This is a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease which eventually causes bone deterioration and tooth loss.